Posted on Thursday 7 February 2008
Most in-car PCs are generally too complicated for the average person to master and have for long been regarded as a gadget for tech-heads to boast about. Usually designed to run Linux or Windows, in-car computers, or ‘carputers’ for short, can be used as a replacement for a car’s stereo, GPS, DVD player, rear-view camera display, game console, communications center and even a wireless internet connection. However, until recently, getting it all to work properly has been a monumental task.
The new NaviSurfer II unit is the first dashboard mounted single-DIN carputer and it makes in-car computer much easier. It features a fold out 7in touchscreen LCD, is compatible with either Windows or Linux, and is capable of running all those functions listed above.
It’s easy to install and can be set-up by anyone who knows how to use a computer. You simply need to install it into single-DIN slot in your dashboard, connect the power cable to the car battery and sound cable to the car speakers and it’s ready to go. There are several models available with different processor speeds and hard drive sizes, and prices range from $578 to $656.
Via: Jalopnik
this is good. very good. now if only the manufacturers can start turning those huge double-din touch screen nav units into full carputers.. i’d be a very happy man.
oh… and ford… make it available on my 2011 fiesta. kthxbye
The thing is that I don’t want a full blown version of a Windows OS on my car entertainment\nav system. Think about all of the patches you would need. What if it bombs and you would need to reinstall everything? Is it all flash drives? How would you navigate windows on such a small screen? I would like something small and simple with an easy navigation screen.
Is there really a point to this. I mean don’t already spend way too much time on computers? This will just become like the cell phone, more of a danger in a car than anything.
I agree, this might just be tech overload in a car.
Where has the simple concept of DRIVING gone?
I have one of the new factory double-din navigation/sirius touchscreens in my new Mustang, and that’s more than enough (sometimes too much) of a distraction.
The point of car puters for most enthusiasts is not to be running the windows GDU, but instead customized interfaces on older/lower budget/idrive cars that have outdated or generally crappy oem setups. Not to mention software that works directly with the car to give read outs of realtime performance figures etc, IE the new GTR. Also nice features like a web browser, real time traffic, weather etc, all of course being accessed while the car is stationary. Also don’t forget that some people have these things called friends, who would operate functions from the passenger seat while the car is moving.
Since when did driving a car become so complicated? What the hell do you need a web browser in a car for, to check your MySpace just in case someone you’ve never met sent you a message? There’s also a little thing called the weather channel, you may have heard of it. Real time traffic could be pretty useful though, but that’s what GPS is for.
Very Cool. I would put this in my trail jeep in a minute! Under frame cameras for trail/clearance monitoring, GPS, Data logging for stuff like Transmission temperature, engine load, etc. Not to mention the ability to DIGITALLY carry EVERY possible service manual for repairs. Possibly truck to truck communications and data sharing with wireless networking, or via Internet. And the ability to instantly share the adventure with others at the end of the trail. I see this as the ultimate offroad tool. All in one convenient box by simply replacing the stereo. Nice.